Oman Cashes In On India's Defensive Lapses

Two late goals, aided by defensive errors, saw Oman come from behind to take all three points against India in the first Group-E FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Thursday.

- Anirudh Velmuri

At home and in front of a boisterous crowd, India upped the ante and stayed in control for most of the first half.

Good midfield pivot

The midfield pivot of Anirudh Thapa and Rowllin Borges was at the centre of everything good India did. They stayed in continuous communication with the defence when India was on the backfoot and in telepathic understanding with the forwards when on the ball.

Five minutes into the game, a hopeful long ball found Ashique Kuruniyan, who ran down the left-wing and crossed into the box. With Sunil Chhetri nowhere close, the Oman defence cleared with little pressure.